Seven Network has unveiled a finals-focused AFL Round 24 free-to-air schedule, dropping the iconic Carlton-Essendon rivalry from its lineup.

The Seven Network has confirmed its selection of matches for the highly anticipated final round of the AFL’s home-and-away season, with a focus on games likely to shape the composition of the top eight. The decision means that the long-standing rivalry between Carlton and Essendon will not feature on free-to-air television in Round 24, despite being scheduled for the Thursday night timeslot.

Instead, the match between the two Victorian clubs will be broadcast exclusively on Fox Footy, leaving fans of both clubs without a free-to-air option. The move reflects Seven’s determination to showcase fixtures with direct implications for the finals, as both sides have fallen out of contention in recent weeks.

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According to Seven Network Director of Sport Chris Jones, the network’s programming aims to deliver a compelling end to the regular season.

“We’re thrilled with the games we’ve secured in Round 24 and the way they set up a blockbuster climax to what’s been an unbelievable AFL season.

Having the final three matches on free to air, that look certain to determine the makeup of the top eight is a dream result and it sets up a thrilling finish for footy fans right across the country.

All four games on Seven in Round 24 feature teams that will play finals – a perfect lead-in to what promises to be an unforgettable 2025 Finals Series,”
he said.

The fixture, released on Wednesday, details a round that begins on Thursday, 21 August, with Essendon facing Carlton at the MCG. However, this match will not be available on Seven, as the network has instead opted to broadcast contests involving clubs still in finals contention.

Brisbane’s clash with Hawthorn at the Gabba on Sunday night will headline Seven’s coverage, with the match carrying significant finals ramifications. Additionally, the Western Bulldogs meet Fremantle at Docklands earlier that day, while Gold Coast face Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

The rescheduled match between Gold Coast and Essendon will take place at Carrara Stadium on Wednesday, 27 August, providing both clubs with adequate recovery time. This game, postponed from the opening round due to Cyclone Alfred, will be broadcast on Seven, and could determine the Suns’ hopes of securing a first-ever finals berth.

“In every decision taken together with the AFL, the fans remain at the forefront of everything we do.

The passion and loyalty shown by the fans in every corner of the country is what makes the game so great and we are stoked to deliver an exceptional final round fixture for the fans,

Mr Jones added.

“The biggest games of Round 24, followed by every single final – including the Grand Final exclusively – all live and free on Seven and 7plus. Your Home of the Footy.”

AFL fixturing manager Josh Bowler confirmed the scheduling was designed to give Essendon and Gold Coast sufficient rest between matches.

“The round will start on Thursday night and finish the following Wednesday to provide the Gold Coast Suns and Essendon sufficient days’ break between matches, with their rescheduled opening round match being played during round 24, in addition to their respective clashes against Carlton and Port Adelaide,” Bowler said.

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The AFL has indicated it is comfortable with Seven’s approach, which prioritises fixtures with likely impact on the finals series, following a disappointing run of form from both Carlton and Essendon since the release of the floating fixture.

The full broadcast schedule for AFL Round 24 is as follows:

Thursday, 21 August

Essendon vs Carlton, MCG, 7:30pm – Fox Footy Exclusive

Friday, 22 August

Collingwood vs Melbourne, MCG, 7:10pm – Seven (free-to-air) & 7plus / Fox Footy

Port Adelaide vs Gold Coast, Adelaide Oval, 8:10pm – Seven (free-to-air in SA & QLD) & 7plus / Fox Footy

Saturday, 23 August

North Melbourne vs Adelaide, Docklands, 1:20pm – Seven (free-to-air in VIC & SA) & 7plus / Fox Footy

Richmond vs Geelong, MCG, 4:15pm – Fox Footy Exclusive

West Coast vs Sydney, Perth Stadium, 7:35pm – Seven (free-to-air in WA & NSW) & 7plus / Fox Footy

Sunday, 24 August

GWS vs St Kilda, Sydney Showgrounds, 12:20pm – Fox Footy Exclusive

Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle, Docklands, 3:15pm – Seven (free-to-air) & 7plus / Fox Footy

Brisbane vs Hawthorn, Gabba, 7:20pm – Seven (free-to-air) & 7plus / Fox Footy

Wednesday, 27 August

Gold Coast vs Essendon, Carrara Stadium, 7:20pm – Seven (free-to-air) & 7plus / Fox Footy

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